Cover Image: Undressing the Duke

Undressing the Duke

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Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley
This was a mildly entertaining M/M Regency romance novella. I can only say that my favorite author in this genre and historical period is Cat Sebastian and this story did not measure up.  Not terrible but not great and the sex scenes were not very sexy but seemed almost boring.
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"Undressing the Duke" by Erica Ridley is a delightful historical romance that seamlessly weaves passion, humor, and charm. Ridley crafts a vivid Regency-era world with engaging characters, and the chemistry between the protagonists is palpable. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of tension and tenderness, keeping readers enthralled. Ridley's attention to historical detail adds depth to the story, immersing readers in a bygone era. "Undressing the Duke" stands out for its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and the sizzling romance that unfolds, making it a compelling read for fans of historical romance novels.
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This was absolutely lovely. I wish it was longer because I wanted to spend more time with these characters!
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A sweet novella about a Duke who should have found a bride years ago is too busy pining over his valet.
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This is a male/male romance which is not my typical preference but I am an Erica Ridley fan so I gave it a go. It is clear from the sex scenes that this is not Ms Ridleys typical pairing and well outside her realm of experience, There is nothing wrong with it just could be better. I enjoyed the banter between the two leads and I was rooting for them. Giving the historical setting its obvious these two are not going to have an easy time of it and there relationship will always have to be a secret from wider society. 
It was a cute romance but not the best Ms Ridley could offer. 
i received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
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This is a cute novella where the Duke of Southbury decides he has to fire his valet because he wants him so much. But before he goes, they go in a crazy road trip adventure together, where their feelings come out. It is a sweet and sexy story without much drama. If you want a mm historical without any real stakes, this is a quick enjoyable read. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.
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3.75/5 stars! This is my first book by Erica Ridley. I was excited by the concept of reading a MM historical romance, knowing that in real history this population couldn't really be open about their feelings often. I think the author did a great way of building a romance story and made me root for the characters. It was very tame on the spice. I expect a bit more in that area when reading a romance novel. But I liked Vachon a lot.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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3.75/5 stars! This is my first book by Erica Ridley. I was excited by the concept of reading a MM historical romance, knowing that in real history this population couldn't really be open about their feelings often at this time. I think the author did a great way of building a romance story and made me root for the characters. It was very tame on the spice. I expect a bit more in that area when reading a romance novel. But I liked Vachon a lot.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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I really liked this. I think Erica Ridley did a great job at making us understand the long history, and deep connection between the two main characters in such a short amount of pages. I thought the romance was really cute. I just don't think it was anything stand-out, instead being quite forgetable. However, it is fun, quick read.
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An edge of your seat emotionally thrilling journey from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Highly entertaining, heart racing, sweetly sexy and action-packed adventure filled with desire, the struggle for true love and passion.
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Alas, the last of the Lords in Love series! And a very short story also. I would have loved to have read more about Donovan and Geoffrey. They make just the cutest couple.

Of course, it takes some time for Donovan to realize how he is head over heels in love with his lifelong valet. And Geoffrey is just too scared to act upon his unrequited love.

As always with Erica, cute, cozy and funny. Four out of five stars from me
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This one was ok. It felt very abbreviated. I would have liked more depth and development to the story. It felt rushed and surface level. But, that said, I did enjoy it as a quick read.
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A short and sweet little story about a duke secretly pining for his gorgeous valet. No angst or homophobia here, only sexy happy vibes. Very relaxing read.
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Loved this M/M regency novella. As always, Erica Ridley includes humor, romance, spicy love scenes and angst as the Duke struggles with doing what society and his family expect of him vs what is in his heart.  Great addition to the series.
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Loved this M/M regency novella. As always, Erica Ridley includes humor, romance, spicy love scenes and angst as the Duke struggles with doing what society and his family expect of him vs what is in his heart.  Great addition to the series.
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Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley is a sexy and sweet regency romance novella between a duke and his valet.
They’ve been pining after each other for decades, but never made a move. Now the duke has to find a wife, but how can he do that when his valet is the person he’s in love with?
I enjoyed this one. It was short, well written and the tension between Donovan and Geoffrey was sizzling. that being said though, I didn’t love it enough for 4 stars or more. 3.5 stars
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Undressing the Duke is a super sweet and super cute novella in the Lords in Love series. I am so happy Erica Ridley has started adding a little LGBT into her writing repertoire. 

Donovan Sutcliffe, Duke of Southbury is solidly in his 30's and has no wife or heir and he's perfectly happy with that. He has his valet extraordinaire, Geoffery. With their late-night chess games, long chats, and secret violin playing, what more could a Duke want?  On Donovan's mother and sibling's urging, the Duke realized he must let go of his longing for his valet's attentions and seek out a bride. However, he must let the man go formally as he wishes to enter his nuptials honestly and honorably.

Ack, this novella was just filled with all the longing, pining, and feels. I loved it. I loved the relationship Donovan and Geoffery had and how we were able to see it grow further once the mantle of man and servant was set aside. I loved how Donovan's family reacted once Donovan finally sat them down and told them what's what.

I am super happy with this book and look forward to more M/M contributions by the author.

*Big Thanks to Erica Ridley, the publisher- WebMotion, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
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MM romance has never been my jam, but for Erica Ridley, I'll make an exception! I'd honestly never thought much about the deeply personal work of a valet. Here's to historical romance that is well-researched!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
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What a fairytale story. I loved the two heroes and their struggles. I’m especially fond of Lord Southbery, as he’s carrying the main burden of the story line with his meddling mother pushing him to marry. I loved how the author resolved the problem and how she tried to make them equal. Not at all anywhere near reality, but I don’t read these books for its realistic depictions of regency England. 
One little niggle: I wished the men on the cover would represent the heroes more closely. The author describes them so beautifully. It’s a shame the models are so generic.
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Sadly disappointed in this one. I have loved other books in this series but this one did not meet up with their standard. Very sad.
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